In today's Gospel reading from Mark 7, Jesus heals a deaf mute. In the first reading from 1 Kings 11 and 12, we see the division of Israel.
Solomon had broken faith, and God saw fit to punish him. But the punishment would come upon Solomon's line. The Kingdom of Israel would be divided. The prophet Ahijah tells Jeroboam, "The LORD, the God of Israel says: 'I will tear away the kingdom from Solomon's grasp and will give you ten of the tribes."
So God's punishment came in the form of division. Now, some people don't think that God does "punishment" anymore. It sure seems we're seeing an awful lot of division today - in the Church and in the world. Could all of this division today be God's punishment? Even if it's God's permissive will instead of his active will? Something to think about.
Father, we pray that you will heal the division in your Church, and have mercy on us and on the whole world. Amen.
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